Protectia
Cathy Rigas, the CSSS nurse arrived at 11:00, and remained until 2:00!! First, we met as a threesome, but when Gilly tired, he moved to his beloved lazy boy and I took advantage of Cathy’s fountain of practical medical information.
She provided all sorts of detail; what symptoms exactly should send us to emergency (fever of over 38.5º, staring into space non-responsively, drastic change to balance and a headache that won’t dissipate with Tylenol or Advil). She provided information on what a worrisome headache looks like and some causes (for example low sugar or fatigue), how to organize the dispensing of medication in the best possible way (time wise), what creams are safe to use and why, and much more.
She revealed some clever tricks: offer only a half glass of water at a time to keep the supply of water fresh (he leaves it by his side and sips only when I remind him), put a clip for his cell phone on his belt so if he falls he can call for help if needed, wear 2 pairs of gloves for gardening so his hands will not get cut, wet or dirty, thus offering less chance for infection, gradually put less tea and more fresh mint in the pot (even though it’s decaffeinated, it still acts as a diuretic), and so on.
She made some suggestions for follow-up with the doctor; check which insect repellants are safe to use while on treatment. We are planning to go up north as much as possible this summer, so I want to be sure he is safe. She also asked that I find out the protocol for prevention of allergic reaction to Iodine (he seemed to have one last time he had the CT scan, so we should be prepared; sometimes Benedryl will be given one or two days prior to the test). She also mentioned that I must inform Vigit that the CSSS is handling the case, so they can network as needed.
She informed us that Gilly’s name will be placed on a list that would enable us to use the 24 hour service known as ‘Parde Medicale.’ A nurse will answer calls automatically to provide medical advice. Only a select number of people in the community are cleared to use this service. The person answering calls will have a file on hand with basic information about Gilly. If we do call, she asks that we also leave a message for her. They usually do fax the information to Cathy anyway, but she does not want any delay in her being alerted to a potential problem we are having. Gilly would call this ‘Protectia.”
She will give Gilly his B12 injections so we do not have to sit in a potentially germ-filled waiting room any longer. She will return to do another visit in 6 weeks time.
Dr. Wan replaced Dr. Sultanen today for our weekly check in at the Jewish. He assured us that any insect repellant is fine, but mosquito bites are not (and he said this applies to everyone). If he is bitten and develops a fever, of course we’ll need to go in immediately. He said Gilly will need to take Benedryl and Prednisone 24 hours before his next CT scan. This is crucial, because the first time was a rash, but the second time could be much more serious. He too emphasized the type of headache to watch for; the kind that don’t go away. Luckily, this has not ever been the case since the shunt was inserted.
Gilly ate like no tomorrow this evening. I made his favourite; schnitzel. He had double helpings, confirming that I had made the right decision for the menu. This dish is considered a special treat for the whole family; I rarely fry food, except for schnitzel and potato latkes. Tamara was duly warned, and invited to partake, but she had made previous plans. She requested we save her some. Gilly agreed to reserve a piece or 2 for his daughter, but the rest is on reserve for tomorrow’s lunch. He was in jovial spirits as the three of us chatted through dinner.
She provided all sorts of detail; what symptoms exactly should send us to emergency (fever of over 38.5º, staring into space non-responsively, drastic change to balance and a headache that won’t dissipate with Tylenol or Advil). She provided information on what a worrisome headache looks like and some causes (for example low sugar or fatigue), how to organize the dispensing of medication in the best possible way (time wise), what creams are safe to use and why, and much more.
She revealed some clever tricks: offer only a half glass of water at a time to keep the supply of water fresh (he leaves it by his side and sips only when I remind him), put a clip for his cell phone on his belt so if he falls he can call for help if needed, wear 2 pairs of gloves for gardening so his hands will not get cut, wet or dirty, thus offering less chance for infection, gradually put less tea and more fresh mint in the pot (even though it’s decaffeinated, it still acts as a diuretic), and so on.
She made some suggestions for follow-up with the doctor; check which insect repellants are safe to use while on treatment. We are planning to go up north as much as possible this summer, so I want to be sure he is safe. She also asked that I find out the protocol for prevention of allergic reaction to Iodine (he seemed to have one last time he had the CT scan, so we should be prepared; sometimes Benedryl will be given one or two days prior to the test). She also mentioned that I must inform Vigit that the CSSS is handling the case, so they can network as needed.
She informed us that Gilly’s name will be placed on a list that would enable us to use the 24 hour service known as ‘Parde Medicale.’ A nurse will answer calls automatically to provide medical advice. Only a select number of people in the community are cleared to use this service. The person answering calls will have a file on hand with basic information about Gilly. If we do call, she asks that we also leave a message for her. They usually do fax the information to Cathy anyway, but she does not want any delay in her being alerted to a potential problem we are having. Gilly would call this ‘Protectia.”
She will give Gilly his B12 injections so we do not have to sit in a potentially germ-filled waiting room any longer. She will return to do another visit in 6 weeks time.
Dr. Wan replaced Dr. Sultanen today for our weekly check in at the Jewish. He assured us that any insect repellant is fine, but mosquito bites are not (and he said this applies to everyone). If he is bitten and develops a fever, of course we’ll need to go in immediately. He said Gilly will need to take Benedryl and Prednisone 24 hours before his next CT scan. This is crucial, because the first time was a rash, but the second time could be much more serious. He too emphasized the type of headache to watch for; the kind that don’t go away. Luckily, this has not ever been the case since the shunt was inserted.
Gilly ate like no tomorrow this evening. I made his favourite; schnitzel. He had double helpings, confirming that I had made the right decision for the menu. This dish is considered a special treat for the whole family; I rarely fry food, except for schnitzel and potato latkes. Tamara was duly warned, and invited to partake, but she had made previous plans. She requested we save her some. Gilly agreed to reserve a piece or 2 for his daughter, but the rest is on reserve for tomorrow’s lunch. He was in jovial spirits as the three of us chatted through dinner.
posted by Gilly at 9:07 PM
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